Myocardial infaction (MI) occurs most often in the early hours of the morning partly because of increased platelet aggregation and increased serum concentration of plasminogen activator inhibitor -1 (PAI-1) that occur after awakening.

In most situations, the onset is not associated or triggered by severe exertion. The immediate risk of MI increases 6 to 30 folds in sedentary people.

An increased suspicion for a possible MI should be maintained especially when it comes about the following groups in the presence of typical symptoms: cocaine users, elderly people, those with a history of heart failure, dementia, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia or those with a strong family history of early coronary disease (any first-degree male relative aged 45 years or younger or any first-degree female relative aged 55 years or younger who experienced a MI).

Preceeding symptoms (within days before an acute attack):

fatigue

chest discomfort

malaise

Typical characteristics of the chest pain in MI:

intense and unremitting for 30 - 60 minutes

felt behind the sternum bone and often radiating into the jaw, neck and down to the ulnar aspect of the left arm

most commonly described as a retrosternal pressure sensation or sometimes as a squeezing, aching or burning sensation

in certain individuals the symptoms are those of an indigestion or of fulness or gas (digestive symptoms)

Accompanying symptoms and signs:

excessive anxiety (sensation of imminent death)

excessive perspiration (excessive sweating)

increased and/or irregular pulse (sometimes felt like palpitations)

increased respiratory rate

coughing, wheezing and production of aerate (bubbly) sputum (phlegm)

increased temperature (fever of around 38C) for the first 24 - 48 hours

About Our Blog

Our Blog intends to bring to your attention various topics of interest for your health and to keep us connected.

New articles will be posted regularly.

You could easily post your own comments (questions/opinions) about each topic (click on the "add comment" link at the bottom of each article). Any other visitor could then post a reply to the respective comment and so on (this will definitely make the topic a very interesting one).

Even more, you could simply ask us to publish an article with a topic chosen by yourself. We'll publish what you requested and will mention that it was you who asked for the article (we'll need your full name for that). Just click on the "add comment" link at the bottom of any of the already published articles and type your request!

Simple like that!

Please note this blog should not be taken as a substitute for a medical consultation.